Morgan Ortagus, deputy envoy of the U.S. to the Middle East, urged Lebanon’s new leaders to exclude Hezbollah from government roles. Emphasizing Hezbollah’s recent defeats by Israel, Ortagus stressed the need for stability as Lebanon navigates ongoing tensions. The U.S. aims to weaken Hezbollah’s political power while also pressuring Iran to cease its support for the militia.
In a significant diplomatic move, the United States seeks to influence Lebanon’s newly-established leadership regarding Hezbollah’s role in the government. Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. deputy envoy to the Middle East, emphasized during a press briefing in Beirut that it is essential for Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah’s integration into the government amidst ongoing cease-fire negotiations and regional tensions.
Ortagus highlighted that Hezbollah, an Iran-supported militia, has been a stalwart political force in Lebanon for decades but has recently faced major setbacks, particularly in its conflicts with Israel. She asserted that Lebanon’s leadership is reportedly dedicated to keeping Hezbollah out of government roles, a challenging task given the group’s historical political weight.
The Trump administration is intensifying its efforts to pressure Lebanon into a more cohesive stance against Hezbollah, aiming to disrupt its significant influence within the country. The envoy also mentioned ongoing measures to curb Iran’s financial support for its proxies in the region, which includes Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, formed in the 1980s as a response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, has evolved into a major political and military entity in Lebanese society. Its military capability, supported by Iran, has often put it at odds with Lebanese political stability and U.S. foreign policy. The recent leadership change in Lebanon offers a potential shift towards reducing Hezbollah’s influence in the government amidst a complex political landscape marred by ongoing violence and instability in the region.
The United States is leveraging diplomatic channels to advocate for the exclusion of Hezbollah from Lebanon’s government, citing the group’s historical dominance and recent military setbacks. As the Lebanese leadership navigates this complex political terrain, the U.S. continues to apply pressure on both Lebanon and Iran, aiming to reshape the balance of power in the region in favor of stability and governance.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
